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By Quinn Heinbaugh

As students enter their fifth week of isolated learning, many face the cancellation of their summer internships, the looming threat that the Fall semester will be remote, and, for graduating seniors, shrinking job opportunities in the current economy. In response, Principia College teamed up with The Mother Church, the Principia Christian Science Organization (CSO), and three local churches to produce a series of lectures on Zoom.

Christian Science lecturer Tom McElroy will give three virtual lectures to the Principia community this week. In addition to being a lecturer, McElroy is also a Christian Science teacher and chairman of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship.

McElroy says he sees importance in maintaining community during these tough times: “Community has always been an important element of Christianity. A lecture is a way to come together jointly in a way where it’s about the message of Christian Science and how it guides us.”

Now is a more important time than ever for the Principia community to come together and, as a church community, to celebrate the successes of prayer while sharing inspiration, he says.

“It’s another opportunity to be able to come together with one bond to work through the challenges, whatever the challenge is,” says Beth Trevino, director of Human Resources, who is involved in organizing the events.

“We have these great tools that keep us connected in modern times,” says McElroy. “We can feel that same comfort that strengthens us to do more good for other people.”

McElroy will deliver three adaptations of the lecture, each geared toward a slightly different audience. Registration is required Those who want to access the lecture and don’t receive the Watercooler can email marcella.lehr@principia.edu or jill.geis@principia.edu for the registration link.

The first is on Mon., April 27 at 4:15 p.m. CDT and will focus on Principia students.

The next lecture is on Thurs. April 30 at 11 a.m. CDT and is aimed at Principia employees on both campuses and members of local Christian Science churches.

The final lecture is on Fri. May 1 at 1 p.m. CDT and it is intended for any Principia employees and members of local Christian Science churches.

Though McElroy has segmented the target audiences of each lecture, everyone in the Principia community, along with the wider Christian Science community are invited to each lecture. Links to register for the lectures are in the April 22 Principia Watercooler. Those who want to access the lecture and don’t receive the Watercooler can email marcella.lehr@principia.edu or jill.geis@principia.edu for the registration link.

Senior Matthew McLeod-Warrick appreciates the work that has gone into preparing the lectures. “I’m grateful that Prin is offering an opportunity for students to listen to a Christian Science teacher who will bring great metaphysical ideas.”

CSO president Hannah Hathaway is excited for the lecture and believes this is a good opportunity to address all of these concerns through prayer. “With everything that’s going on, there is a lot of fear and doubt,” says Hathaway, “So it is nice to know that we are all tuning in to come together in prayer.”

Those who want to access the lecture and don’t receive the Watercooler can email marcella.lehr@principia.edu or jill.geis@principia.edu for the registration link.